FAIRMONT — One of the many things an individual may look forward to during the summer is the county fair and its bright, colorful midway, tasty food, animals and live entertainment. The Martin County Fair has all of that and more.

Secretary and Board Member Lisa Stromberg, on behalf of the entire Martin County Fair Board, is excited about every aspect of it. The Martin County Fair will be held from Monday, Aug. 11 to Sunday, Aug. 17.

“I look forward to the Martin County Fair every year. Listening to different bands, the entertainment, getting people’s recommendations on what they would like to have at the fair,” she said. “I very much enjoy volunteering my time, and it’s a year-long job.”

According to her, the Martin County Fair Board is already looking ahead to solidifying plans for the 2026 fair. The planning process includes proposing ideas to the entertainment committee and locating entertainers in partnership with Artists and Attractions. Artists and Attractions find pricing and contracts, as the entertainment committee then seizes the reins to plan a successful fair. Stromberg strives to be attentive to successful events and various interests displayed by the community, and translate it into the fair.

“Our goal is to make it a very good fair overall, for everybody to come to. We like to see the smiles and the people walk around, everyone just having a great time overall,” said Stromberg.

This year, the entertainment committee, a branch of the Martin County Fair Board, is excited to roll out expansions and even new additions on top of what they’ve noted that the community enjoys to make the week-long experience even more memorable. A new partnership is with Midwest Rides of Elk River. The carnival company will provide 18 rides, games and food booths all featured on the Midway. Of the 24 food vendors, there will be two new vendors offering Caribbean and bacon-wrapped cuisine. Overall, according to Stromberg, approximately 100 indoor and outdoor booths will be present.

“We’re very fortunate to have the fair that we do have, and the options for the carnival that we do have. We’ve had very good relationships with the carnivals, and we are just looking to better the ride, and better the community and the experience,” Stromberg remarked.

Returning vendors and entertainment will also be present, including the 4-H Food Stand, St. Paul Lutheran Food Stand, O’Scoops, Queen Apples, Martin County Pork Producers, Lions’ Club Ring Toss, Fireman’s Bingo and many more staples of fair entertainment.

As for entertainment, Great Frontier Bull Riding is returning at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 12. Bon Jour, which plays a mix of Bon Jovi and Journey, will play at 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 13 and We Are Messengers, a christian band, will be the Thursday evening entertainment, also playing at 8:30 p.m.

Dueling Pianos will play at 6 p.m. on Friday night and the Saturday headlining band is LANCO, which will play at 8:30 p.m. on Aug. 16.

Other entertainment during fair week includes Steele Prairie, The Steve Lang Show, Kelly Artz, Blue Dirt Road and Heartsong.

“It’s fun to see the people’s reactions. It’s fun to walk around the fair during the concerts or even the strolling acts that we have. I want people to go out and see what we have to offer. Taking in something new. I feel like we have a variety of entertainment for all,” Stromberg said with a smile.

Alongside Stromberg, the entertainment committee includes Board Members Jared Pomerenke, Robbin Celander, Randy Deling, Nate Amborn, Tracy Murphy and Trevor Eisenmenger and food exhibit planners Cathy Celander and Cynthia Celander. For the complete schedule of events, visit www.martincountyfairmn.com.

*Editor’s Note: This article ran in the Sentinel’s 2025 fair preview section.